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Francis, outfield prospects show well versus D-backs

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By Thomas Harding

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Adam Eaton and Eric Hinske each had three hits, and Martin Prado drove in three runs with his two hits as the D-backs beat the Rockies, 8-6, in a Cactus League game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Sunday afternoon.

A day after the D-backs gave up 18 hits in the Rockies' 11-2 victory in the Cactus League opener, the D-backs knocked out 14 hits of their own. Eric Chavez also had two hits and scored twice.

The D-backs also had an important pitching highlight. Starter Patrick Corbin, competing with Tyler Skaggs and Randall Delgado for a rotation spot, struck out four -- coming consecutively in the first and second innings -- and gave up one hit and a walk in two scoreless innings. Corbin finished his outing by working Kyle Parker, a recent Rockies top Draft pick, into a double-play grounder.

Rockies starter Jeff Francis also had two smooth innings, as he allowed just two hits and no runs. But Juan Nicasio, expected to be part of the starting rotation, gave up four runs, two earned, on four hits in 1 2/3 innings. Additionally, veteran Miguel Batista, vying for a middle relief job as a non-roster invitee, gave up four hits and three runs in his only inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Rockies jumped on the scoreboard when outfield prospect Corey Dickerson hit a first-pitch, two-run homer off of D-backs reliever Garrett Mock. They would put another four runs on the board during an eighth-inning rally that was highlighted by a two-run single by Parker, but Cristhian Adames grounded into a double play with the potential tying runs on base to end the rally. Overall, the Rockies hit into five double plays.

Rockies up next: Right-hander Chris Volstad, who has pitched in the Majors with the Marlins and the Cubs, will start for the Rockies against the Rangers at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick at 1:10 p.m MT. It also will be the Cactus League debut of lefty Danny Rosenbaum, a Rule 5 pick from the Nationals organization. In addition, 2007 closer Manny Corpas, who pitched for the Cubs last season, is scheduled to work. Wilton Lopez, obtained in a trade with the Astros to serve as a right-handed setup man, also is scheduled to pitch.